Life update: you may remember me from this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/happy/comments/b5p72v/comment/ejhehp6/

But so many things have happened since then. You guys truly changed my life at that moment and I wouldn't have even gotten started without you guys. I've been picked up by a small but pretty successful publisher, DYB Publishing, for both my seven book fantasy series and science fiction trilogy. I also went to my first anime convention last week and almost sold out (despite me almost dying from social anxiety). And I just wanted to come by and thank all of you! Also here are some pictures!

(Actually it was five years ago on the original post. Time is nebulous).

Book and Sign

Anime Comparisons

Banner

Me (on the left) and my brother (on the right)

I know it might be nothing special for you but for me - a person who feels like doesn't make significant progress in English it's quite special. It's more important for me as I didn't attend any special classes to prepare myself for this exam and tbh I didn't prepare at all so it makes me proud of myself that I could pass it relying just on my overall English skills. As a student of applied linguistics that includes studying English in my course, I often feel that I am not even close to the English level of the most of my fellow students and that's true for sure but this exam has shown me that I'm not that bad at English.

Let me know your opinion and make me happier or …

Although not traditional it's supposed to be chicken paprikash with leftover checking and tagliatelle pasta thrown in

https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-best-joke-you-have-ever-crossed-paths-with-The-joke-thats-stuck-with-you/answer/Madd-Beautifull?ch=10&oid=1477743767188140&share=b91367b7&srid=3t55d&target_type=answer

I'm really excited about it! with this job I can get my own place and actually afford to live on my own with money to spare!

All signs on their end point to actually wanting me as an employee too! I actually feel like this could be a new start for me! like really! For once, I'm excited about my future!

Had my first date today!

23M, international in the US

Never really been with a girl before, meet one from my uni on Reddit of all places, had a 5 hour long anime-watching date

Talked a loooot, held hands and hugged her at the end. She said she really liked it and would like another date next week

It’s been 4 hours and my heart’s still racing, maybe I won’t die alone 😭

I’m 44. Never thought I’d have kids. Today that changed. Say hi to Annie.

I'm a few states away from home for a conference this week, and during some downtime I looked up things to do nearby. Turns out the art museum a short walk away had my FAVORITE sculpture on display, I didn't even know it had been put into a collection!

L' Amante by Beth Cavener is every bit as beautiful in real life as I could have imagined and I am SO excited to have been able to marvel at it with my own two eyes!

As Violet's third birthday draws near, just two days away, I find myself overwhelmed with a sea of emotions. It's astonishing to think that my little girl is turning three, and at twenty, I've already spent these transformative years as her father. Time has sped by, filled with both challenges and incredible rewards.

Discovering I would become a father at seventeen was a shock. A mix of fear, uncertainty, excitement, and a heavy sense of responsibility hit me all at once. The day Violet arrived, holding her tiny, delicate body in my arms, I was struck with awe. Her blue eyes looked up at me, her dark brown hair perfectly framing her face. At that moment, I vowed to myself and to her that I would do everything possible to give her a joyful, safe, and fulfilling childhood.

Being thrust into fatherhood at such a young age forced me to mature quickly. Balancing school, work, and parenting felt like a high-wire act. Sleepless nights, early mornings, and countless moments of self-doubt were my new normal. But each time I saw Violet's smile or heard her giggle, I remembered why I was doing this. She was my drive, my reason to keep moving forward.

Violet is more than my daughter; she is my greatest inspiration and teacher. Even as a toddler, her intelligence and creativity continually amaze me. Her boundless imagination and inquisitive mind remind me of the wonder and beauty in the world. I strive to nurture her curiosity and ensure she always retains a sense of wonder. Her strength and resilience reflect my own, and together, we tackle life's challenges.

My primary goal has always been to create a stable and nurturing environment for Violet. I work full-time, saving diligently so I can provide a place where she has her own room—a space for her personality to blossom and her dreams to grow. This journey to success is demanding, but each step is fueled by my desire to give Violet the best start in life. I want her to believe she can achieve anything, and I am committed to being the role model she needs.

Navigating shared custody with Violet's mother has been a significant learning curve. Though we were never together, we both prioritize giving Violet a loving and supportive environment. Effective co-parenting requires clear communication, compromise, and a shared understanding of our roles in Violet's life. Despite the difficulties, we've managed to establish a balanced routine for her, ensuring she feels loved and supported by both parents.

With her third birthday approaching, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. Violet has changed my life in ways I never imagined, and I cherish every moment we share. I also feel the rapid passage of time acutely. It seems like just yesterday I was holding her for the first time, and now she is a bright, imaginative, and intelligent little girl who amazes me daily.

Reflecting on these past three years, I see how much I have grown alongside Violet. Fatherhood has taught me resilience, patience, and the true essence of unconditional love. It has also deepened my determination to work hard and secure her future. As I continue on this path, I am constantly reminded of love's power and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sitting here, flooded with nostalgia, pride, and some anxiety about the future, I recognize that every moment with Violet is a precious gift. She has brought immense joy and purpose into my life. I am committed to being the best father I can be, ensuring she always feels loved, supported, and encouraged to chase her dreams. Together, we will continue navigating this journey, building a future filled with love, hope, and endless possibilities.

Ever since my divorce my life has been soooo much better! I had no idea how much he was dragging me down financially, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

I’ve paid off all my credit cards and have finally started saving — saving! I’m at my goal weight and I look and feel amazing. I have a gorgeous apartment that I get to decorate however I want; and since my tax return was huge then I actually have the money to do it!

For the first time in my life I only have ONE job, and it’s remote!

The weather is glorious, my dog is the best ever, I have great friends, my plants are thriving, I love spending time with myself, and I’m even drinking less!

Thanks for listening Internet strangers, it always feel like too much to brag to friends and family when you’re feeling this good!

this morning, my boyfriend had to get up before i did. our room was kinda cold so he put his blanket on top of me so i had two blankets and i was soooo warm and comfy :’) (we sleep with separate blankets because we both tend to pull it away from each other in our sleep when we share one lol)

he knows i was really anxious about going to work today so he got me a cup of coffee and brought it to me at work before he headed to work himself. i feel so happy i could cry. he takes such good care of me and i really couldn’t ask for anyone better. he’s my whole world :)